Interactive museum opens new world

SEEN THIS MORNING

October 13, 2008 8:13:31 AM PDT

Eyewitness News

CROWN HEIGHTS --

A world of discovery awaits kids here at the Brooklyn children's museum in Crown Heights. From "Neighborhood Nature" to "Living in Space," it's one big playground that combines learning and fun. Isaiah Jenkins said he like it there "because they have fish and water, and animals."

"Totally Tots" is a huge interactive space for kids under the age of five.

Toddlers can play dress up and make some music in "sound around" or splish splash in the "water wonders" section.

Mother's like Layla Plahn also enjoy the interactive wonderland.

Plahn says "it's awesome, the waterplay, we could spend hours here." She even brought her child a change of clothes.

A spokeswoman from the Brooklyn Children's Museum said from the very beginning the museum has aimed to be interactive, and to "follow the child and their own interests."

Founded in 1899, the museum shut its doors about a year ago for a $49-million dollar spruce-up, expanding exhibits to better peak a child's curiosity.

And "Fantasia" a 200 pound python is still around. "It looks scary, but it was kind of fun" said 7-year-old Dominique Guerrero of the long time favorite attraction for kids.

Then there's "Neighborhood Nature" which takes children through natural habitats found in the city. Kids can also check-out the stuffed wild-life exhibit.

"Collection Central" is filled with artifacts from around the world.

And at "living in space" visitors can see what it's like to be an astronaut.

The museum also aims to expose kids to different cultures.

"When I got to go in the dragon in the Chinese exhibit, it was really fun. You get to move it up and down like the Chinese people do" said 10-year-old Alliyah Dookie.